Balatro is a standout nominee at the Game Awards this year, and for good reason. Its unique blend of deckbuilding and roguelike mechanics offers a refreshing take on both genres. Here’s why this game has captured the attention of players and critics alike.

Pros

• The game boasts a distinctive and visually striking aesthetic. The cards and characters, particularly the jokers, feature a retro-inspired palette that works seamlessly with the cathodic TV filter overlay. This design approach complements the pixelated art style perfectly, resulting in a game that is not only fun to play but also visually satisfying.
  
• Balatro is optimized for smooth performance on a wide range of hardware, making it highly accessible. Whether you're playing on a modern gaming rig or an older laptop, you can expect stable frame rates and no performance issues. This makes it a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality experience that won't tax their system.
  
• The gameplay is addictive in the best possible way. It offers a thrilling progression system where each new build feels like a gamble with the potential for explosive rewards. As a deckbuilding roguelike, it draws comparisons to other successful titles in the genre, but Balatro stands out with its ability to constantly surprise and engage players. The inclusion of varied strategies and an abundance of unlockables ensures that each playthrough remains fresh and exciting. The game is balanced in such a way that even successful runs can feel hard-earned, making victories feel rewarding.
  
• With a near-limitless array of strategies to explore, Balatro offers an exceptional replayability factor. The introduction of seeds for players looking for specific, overpowered builds, as well as a save-and-continue feature, makes it easy to keep coming back for more. The game has earned a reputation for being even more addictive than celebrated roguelikes like Hades or Vampire Survivors, thanks to its constantly evolving gameplay loop and highly addictive progression.
  
• The game includes several smart features to enhance the player experience, such as a quick restart option, speed adjustments, and various accessibility tweaks. These improvements, along with its low price point, make it a great value for anyone seeking a fun and accessible roguelike experience without breaking the bank.
  
• For those unfamiliar with poker, Balatro serves as a fun, non-intimidating introduction to the basics of the game. Even if you’ve never played poker in real life, the game makes learning its fundamentals an enjoyable experience. For those who are seasoned poker players, there’s enough strategy and depth here to keep you engaged.

Cons

• While Balatro excels in many areas, some of its late-game achievements are excessively challenging, requiring several hundred hours of play. This makes 100% completion feel like an intimidating and repetitive task for many players. Additionally, after unlocking much of the content, the game's core mechanics can start to lose their novelty, particularly for completionists. While these achievements may appeal to some, they may detract from the overall enjoyment for others.

TL;DR
Balatro is a captivating deckbuilding roguelike with a unique retro aesthetic and addictive gameplay loop. Its easy accessibility, balanced mechanics, and high replayability make it a standout in the genre. However, the late-game achievements are extremely challenging, making 100% completion a tough feat. A fantastic game for under $15.

Rating: Strong 9/10